The Press., 1887-12-22
(Hartford courant, Dec. 1s.)

After the morning sermon yesterday Rev. Lester l.. Potter, of the First Baptist church, made brief address to his people on the subject of his change of views and the action which it would be necessary to take at the meeting which has been called for this evening, when his resignation will be presented. His remarks were in sub stance as follows :-
 For some time some of the leading mem bers of the church have been in consulta- ton with myself about my relations to the ordinances of the church. After long con- tinued and careful study the pastor had discovered that he was not in harmony with the distinguished tenets of the Bap tist denomination. Having come to this conclusion it seems to him that his only honorable course was to inform his stand ing committee and offer to resign at such a time as would best serve the church. This communication was received with surprise and sorrow, but with entire kindness. 1t was decided that as it was so important 1t should be kept from the public for little until the best decision was reached. But a few words overheard on the street of conversation between the pastor and one of his church members gave rise to rumOrs to the effect that there was 8 serious dlt- ference between the pastor and his com mittee about repairs which are to be made ln the church building. These rumors grew and finally reached the ears of re- porter. During the absence of the pastor from the city friend, who thought 1t was the wisest course, contradicted the rumors and gave some of the real facts about the pastors position with reference to the de- nominational beliefs. Both the pastor and his advisers were much chagrined that the elk at 10 cause they felt the entire subject should be discussed deliberately and without any outside pressure. Whether after the ru- mors were in circulation it was judicious to give the real facts to reporter Is a question which We need not debate since that which is done is done. But now that the subj"ct has been made public prompt action becomes necessary. " cannot aOith n1y present cO'aVictiO9s remain S'a the B0otist pulpit. YoaG, 0s B00t6sts, cannot afford to hGVe mae TenaGiaa.
 | Mr. Potter said also that his relations with the church had been most pleasant from the beginning. There had never been the slightest friction or trouble be- | tween him and any member, and even now they are together in 8 common sorrow. 1 Further, he said, the recommendations of the standing c 'mmittee, to be read at the meeting tonight, had been submitted to him and met Lis approval.
 After the service MT. Potter was met at the foot of the pulpit stairs by Lieutenant Governor Howard and number of others prominent not only in church affairs but in the city, and the heartiest sympathy for, and klnd feeling toward him, was ex. pressed.
 During the afternoon reporter found Mr. Potter at his home on Ann-st., and asked him if he had anything to add tC what he had said from the pulpit in the morning. Mir. Potter said that one great influence in hls decision was this: That the church property was bought and the church built by men who believed rigidly iu the tenets of the Baptist church, and that he thought he had no right to use the property to preach in when he no longer believed as the Baptists do to the fullest extent. In reply to a remark about tht very general desire that he remain, even i
 he no longer believed in close communion and the necessity for immersion, he said it was impossible, and that his explanation
 had been partly to show those who fel
 this way the necessity to vote to accep
 his resignation.